By Don Quilici
According to a recent press release by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), "With most Nevada big game hunting seasons set to open in the upcoming weeks, NDOW says hunters can save themselves the embarrassment of receiving a citation if they avoid the common violations that are seen by game wardens."
Fred Henson, NDOW game warden, said one of the more common violations is the failure to validate or punch the big game tag after harvesting an animal. Tags should be punched as soon as the animal is harvested. The tag should then be attached as soon as you arrive at your vehicle or camp, whichever comes first.
"Tags should be punched so that the punches are clearly visible. Using a pencil or pen to mark the boxes on the tag rather than perforating the tag is not the legal way to validate a tag," said Henson.
A very dangerous violation that is not nearly as common as it was several decades ago is having a loaded gun in a vehicle, including an all-terrain vehicle.
Henson said the dramatic decline in hunting accidents in recent years can be partially attributed to hunters being conscientious about having their firearms unloaded when placing them in vehicles.
Another safety practice that hunters should be aware of is not shooting from or across roads. Besides being illegal, it is something that is potentially very dangerous.
A violation that game wardens occasionally see is big game hunters who are in the field but are not carrying their tag. The tag and hunting license must be in possession when a hunter is in the field.
"Hunters must harvest their own animal. Be advised that harvesting another individual's animal is neither legal nor is it ethical," said Henson.
Finally, he reminds hunters they are required to submit their hunt questionnaire card within 15 days after their season ends. Those questionnaire cards can be completed at website www.huntnevada.com.
